African Synod calls for Accountability in Politics and Resource Extraction
October 28th, 2009
After a three-week Vatican meeting, the Special Synod for Africa has ended. The Synod’s final message to the Church in Africa urges the people of Africa to work together for the continent’s political and economic future. The bishops delivered a strong message against corrupt Catholic political leaders in Africa, calling on them to repent or quit public office and stop ruining their countries.
The Bishops called for caution and transparency when accepting foreign aid, which often comes with a hidden agenda. The Bishops further added:” Whatever may be the responsibility of foreign interests, there is always the shameful and tragic collusion of the local leaders: politicians who betray and sell out their nations, dirty business people who collude with rapacious multi nationals, African arms dealers and traffickers who thrive on small arms that cause great havoc on human lives, and local agents of some international organizations who get paid for peddling toxic ideologies that they don’t believe in.”
On going crises in Somalia, Southern Sudan, Darfur and Democratic Republic of the Congo were singled out.
On HIV/AIDS, the Bishops, through the final document message, highlighted how the church has been involved in this ministry with love and care and applaud many people who take care of the infected and the affected in our land. The Bishops have also expressed great concern on the destruction of Africa’s environment.
The Synod for Africa has just ended but the work on the issues raised by the Synod begins now. More information visit Yes Africa Matters.
Posted in: Africa, Economic Justice, Global, Homepage News, Issues, Members, News, Peace, Resources, Social Justice
Related keywords: africa, african bishops, corruption, Economic Justice, synod for africa, transparency
